Partnership will Support Business Participation, Grow Defence Capabilities: Moses, Cable
The governments of Canada and Manitoba are investing more than $3.8 million to support the creation of the Manitoba Defence and Dual-Use Innovation Bridge, Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses and Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable announced today.
“This investment and partnership will open new doors for Manitoba businesses for opportunities in the aerospace and defence sector, while building on the province’s already strong manufacturing and innovation base,” said Moses. “By supporting Manitoba businesses and working closely with industry, educational institutions and government partners, we are positioning Manitoba to create good jobs and expand interprovincial trade in this important sector.”
The Manitoba Defence and Dual-Use Innovation Bridge, a partnership between RRC Polytech, Manitoba Aerospace Inc. and Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, will help prepare Manitoba businesses to participate in domestic and international defence supply chains through targeted training and tailored business supports, positioning Manitoba as a competitive partner in defence manufacturing and innovation.
The initiative is expected to support more than 100 Manitoba small- and medium-sized businesses. Participating companies will receive practical assistance to understand government procurement requirements, strengthen cybersecurity, meet security requirements for controlled goods and technology, identify and advance dual-use technologies, and prepare to compete for defence contracts, Moses added.
The initiative will also connect Manitoba companies with larger defence firms, government buyers and other potential customers, while providing access to specialized equipment and facilities through RRC Polytech’s Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing, noted Cable.
“Training workers today means building Manitoba’s future,” said Cable. “Our government is helping people gain the skills and experience they need to succeed, while ensuring Manitoba has the skilled workforce to support a growing economy.”
This initiative will help foster a business climate that will support productivity growth and align with the priorities outlined in the new Manitoba-Canada Defence Alliance. It will support small and medium-sized businesses to better meet the complex requirements necessary to access federal defence spending. Federal and provincial government assistance will ensure these businesses can be competitive with other jurisdictions and help drive economic and industrial growth.
“Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters is proud to partner on the Manitoba Defence and Dual-Use Innovation Bridge to help Manitoba manufacturers strengthen their capabilities, adopt new technologies and access opportunities in Canada’s growing defence supply chain,” said Brittany Scarrow, vice-president of Prairies operations and member services, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. “This initiative will support companies in building the skills, connections and operational readiness needed to compete in both defence and dual-use markets, while also helping to grow a stronger, more innovative manufacturing ecosystem in Manitoba.”
This investment and partnership supports the Manitoba government’s efforts to grow advanced manufacturing, strengthen supply chains and expand economic opportunities for Manitoba businesses in the defence sector, the ministers noted.